The current set of intelligence satellites of the United States allows you to record the launch of ballistic missiles around the world. However, its resolution is only sufficient to monitor active parts of the orbit; accelerator engines are still running. If the missile has a maneuverable or hypersonic warhead, it is still difficult to determine exactly where the warheads are going. The new satellites the Pentagon recently ordered will fill this gap.

Last Monday, November 27, the US Space Force (USSF) company “approved” Millennium Space Systems to begin production of the first batch of new satellites. The publication reported Space NewsIt will include six devices designed to operate in Middle Earth orbit – this is the area of ​​space around our planet with an altitude of two to 20 thousand kilometers. The exact characteristics of the satellites were not disclosed.

It is known that they will be built on a proven platform Altair. Unfortunately, since it is a modular architecture, this information does not contain any details about the final product.

in portfolio Millennium Space Systems There are devices on the platform Altair Electric power with load-bearing capacity from 16 to 90 W, with weight ranging from six to 50 kilograms. We can only say with certainty that these will not be the most expensive devices – in the production of its products the company actively uses ready-made commercial solutions (commercially available industrial electronics, typical motors, steering systems) and additive technologies. structural elements.

The cost of the six satellites ordered was not specified, only general information is known USSF program financing Missile Path Surveillance (MTC) for 2024 — $500 million. But this is only a planned budget and will last only one year, with the entire project lasting until at least 2026. Additionally, within MTC not only satellites will be ordered Millennium Space Systems. This program involves a complete network of sensors deployed in medium Earth orbit to detect and track missile launches. That is, its budget must include additional devices from other manufacturers, the development of the necessary infrastructure and the operating costs of all this wealth.

on your website Millennium Space Systems The state boasts of overcoming all changes in its defense system at record speed. This confirms the Pentagon’s previously announced trend of accelerating the development of promising technologies critical to the country. Interestingly, two other companies were less fortunate: raytheon And L3Harris No approval has yet been received from the US Space Systems Command (SSCResponsible for supervising projects proposed by contractors. Both of these outstanding companies are willing to participate Missile Path Surveillanceand they will be responsible for the creation of three more satellites planned for the first phase of the new exploration constellation.

In total, the Space Force will launch 27 satellites to monitor the launch of various missile weapons. first turn 1st semester – Nine devices to be released by the end of 2026. Others will appear later, providing global coverage with infrared “eyes.”

Unlike currently operating analogues, these satellites will be placed significantly below geosynchronous orbit, which means closer to potential objects of observation. In this way, they will be able to detect and observe much colder targets in real time, as well as the bright flames of rocket engines. For example, hypersonic warheads maneuvering in the upper layers of the atmosphere.